MRI, brain (no contrast)
Facility: Mercy Hospital Pittsburg, Inc
Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70551
- Insurance Median: $238
- Cash Discount Price: $2,473
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.98x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare
Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $243.77 as the cost baseline. Rates below the baseline represent excellent value. In-network commercial rates commonly hover around 150% - 250% of Medicare, while rates exceeding 300% are elevated. Hover over the green and blue markers to view detailed calculations.
Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator
Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid / KanCare | $110 - $235 | 45% |
| Humana | $110 - $231 | 45% |
| Aetna | $110 - $3,234 | 45% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $131 - $665 | 54% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $206 - $2,565 | 85% |
| Medicare (plans) | $231 - $240 | 95% |
| Tricare | $231 | 95% |
| American Health Advantage Of Ks Mcr Contracted [320508] | $231 | 95% |
| Kindful Hospice Contracted [320434] | $231 | 95% |
| Dept Of Veteran Affairs Contracted [320106] | $231 | 95% |
| Kindful Hospice [20434] | $231 | 95% |
| Elara Caring Aspire Hospice [20433] | $231 | 95% |
| Mercy Hospice Okc [20252] | $231 | 95% |
| Pace Of The Ozarks Contracted [320518] | $231 | 95% |
| Halo Hcr Inc Hospice Contracted [320432] | $231 | 95% |
| Cross Timbers Hospice [20098] | $231 | 95% |
| Halo Hcr Inc Hospice [20432] | $231 | 95% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $235 | 96% |
| Home State Health Plan Contracted [320187] | $235 | 96% |
| Providrs Care Network Contracted [320484] | $447 | 183% |
| Health Choice Contracted [320166] | $665 | 273% |
| Cigna | $912 - $935 | 374% |
| Medica Contracted [320239] | $1,101 | 452% |
| United Medical Resources Contracted [320454] | $2,565 | 1052% |
| Reflect Health Contracted [320492] | $3,044 | 1249% |
| Yuzu Health Contracted [320521] | $3,044 | 1249% |
| Healthlink Contracted [320179] | $3,044 | 1249% |
| Aither Health Contracted [320449] | $3,044 | 1249% |
| Edison Health Solutions Contracted [320502] | $3,044 | 1249% |
| Mercy Benefit Admin Contracted [320251] | $3,044 | 1249% |
| Ebms Contracted [320493] | $3,044 | 1249% |
| Workers Comp [20426] | $3,044 | 1249% |
| Imagine 360 Contracted [320494] | $3,044 | 1249% |
| American Healthcare Alliance Contracted [320020] | $3,044 | 1249% |
| Auxiant Contracted [320462] | $3,044 | 1249% |
| First Health Contracted [320128] | $3,234 | 1327% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the MRI, brain (no contrast) procedure (CPT 70551), Mercy Hospital Pittsburg, Inc. lists a gross charge of $3,805.00, which is significantly higher than the facility's own cash median of $2,473.00 and the state of Kansas average. While the facility offers a cash median of $2,473.00, commercial insurance negotiated rates vary widely, ranging from $110 for Medicaid/KanCare plans to $3,234 for certain contracted networks. Patients with high-deductible plans may find the cash price of $2,473.00 more affordable than their specific insurance allowed amount, which could exceed this figure depending on their plan. It is crucial to verify your specific deductible status and allowed amount before scheduling, as assuming an in-network rate is the lowest possible price can lead to unexpected costs.
To minimize financial risk, patients should proactively request a "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discount before check-in, as hospitals often offer fee reductions for upfront payment that bypass costly insurance billing cycles. Additionally, if you receive a bill, always demand a full itemized CPT-coded statement rather than accepting a summary invoice, as over 80% of hospital bills contain errors such as double-billing or unbundled codes that can be disputed. If you encounter a balance bill from an out-of-network provider at this in-network facility, you may be protected under the No Surprises Act, which bans balance billing for emergency and non-emergency services; in such cases, you should dispute the bill in writing with the insurer rather than paying immediately.